Uses for Eylea

Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration

Clinically equivalent to ranibizumab.1 May provide some advantages (e.g., decreased treatment burden) over other agents (e.g., bevacizumab†, ranibizumab) because of less frequent administration.5678 (See Dosage under Dosage and Administration.)

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetic macular edema.11420

Eylea Dosage and Administration

Administration

Ophthalmic

Administer by intravitreal injection only into the affected eye(s); must be administered only by a qualified physician.1

Prior to intravitreal administration, withdraw entire contents of aflibercept vial through a sterile 5-mcm, 19-gauge filter needle (provided by manufacturer) into a 1-mL syringe (provided by manufacturer) using aseptic technique.1 Prior to intravitreal injection, replace filter needle with a sterile 30-gauge, ½-inch needle (provided by manufacturer).1 To obtain appropriate dose (2 mg), expel contents in syringe until plunger tip is aligned with the line that marks 0.05 mL on the syringe.1

Monitor patients for elevation of IOP immediately following intravitreal injection;1 monitoring may include evaluation of optic nerve head perfusion or tonometry.1 A sterile paracentesis needle should be available, if required.1

Use each vial only for treatment of a single eye; discard any unused portion.1 If contralateral eye requires treatment, use a new vial; change sterile field, syringe, gloves, drape, eyelid speculum, and filter and injection needles before administering to the other eye.1

Dosage

Adults

Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration

Ophthalmic

Intravitreal injection: 2 mg into the affected eye(s) once every 4 weeks for 12 weeks, then 2 mg once every 8 weeks.1

Additional efficacy not demonstrated following administration every 4 weeks compared with every 8 weeks.1

Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion

Ophthalmic

Intravitreal injection: 2 mg into the affected eye(s) once every 4 weeks.1

Diabetic Macular Edema

Ophthalmic

Intravitreal injection: 2 mg into the affected eye(s) once every 4 weeks for the first 5 injections, followed by 2 mg once every 8 weeks.1

Additional efficacy not demonstrated following administration every 4 weeks compared with every 8 weeks.1

Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema

Ophthalmic

Intravitreal injection: 2 mg into the affected eye(s) once every 4 weeks for the first 5 injections, followed by 2 mg once every 8 weeks.1

Additional efficacy not demonstrated following administration every 4 weeks compared with every 8 weeks.1

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Use only if potential benefits justify potential risk to fetus.1 Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception prior to initiating therapy, during treatment, and for ≥3 months after last intravitreal injection is administered.1

Lactation

Not known whether aflibercept is distributed into milk.1 Use not recommended in nursing women.1 Discontinue nursing or the drug.1

Elimination

Metabolism

Half-life

Approximately 5–6 days following IV administration of doses of 2–4 mg/kg.1

Stability

Storage

Ophthalmic

2–8°C.1 Do not freeze; protect from light.1 Store in original carton until use.1

Actions

Acts as a soluble decoy receptor that binds to VEGF-A and PlGF and inhibits their biologic activity.127

VEGF-A induces neovascularization (angiogenesis) and increases vascular permeability,1 which appear to play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy.23457825272829

Risk of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment; importance of immediately seeking care from an ophthalmologist if change in vision occurs or if the treated eye becomes red, sensitive to light, or painful.1

Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.1

Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses.1

Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.1 (See Cautions.)

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.